Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has issued a one-month ban on drone operations in certain areas of New Jersey, unless operators receive special permission from the government due to “special security reasons”.This is as dozens of night-time drone sightings have been reported across New Jersey and other states along the eastern coast of the US over the last several weeks.For more on this, Kieran is joined by US-based Journalist Harriet Alexander.

Dating apps are not as popular as they once were, with around 1.4 million people in the UK leaving the online dating scene in the past 12 months.So, are dating apps dead?Sarah Burke, Dublin Reporter with Irish Independent and Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker and Podcast Host join Kieran to discuss.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Tis’ the season, so this week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try offerings of Christmas crackers and cakes!

Musician Gavin James has taken some time out from his Irish Tour, which begins in Whelan’s this week, to join the show!He joins Kieran to discuss his new single: ‘Once in a Lifetime’.

Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover! This week, she discusses her biggest Tech Tips from 2024! Including money, organisation and life-admin.

It was announced today that the Kneecap movie has been shortlisted for TWO Oscars. Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Song for ‘Sick in the Head’.Joining Kieran to discuss the achievement is Head of Distribution for Wildcard Distribution, Gillian Cooper.

The 34th Dáil sat for the first time today.With a bit of business being the selection of a Ceann Comhairle… With the new Ceann Comhairle being Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy.Joining Kieran to discuss what has been happening is Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty,  Malcom Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail.

SOSAD is an Irish mental health charity that specializes in care for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. But, in an unfortunate turn of events, funding promised for the charity by Minister of Mental Health Mary Butler has not been delivered. Now, they fear that they’re on the brink of collapse – leaving hundreds without care…Joining Kieran to discuss is the CEO of SOSAS, Carol Murphy.

Socks for Dad, hand cream for mom and a designer collar for Bruno. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on the expensive Christmas being enjoyed by Ireland's cats and canines.

Every year, Irish Daily Mail Commentator Philip Nolan leaves a Christmas tip for the binmen. Should we be doing the same?He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Jonathan McDonnell

The 34th Dáil is set to meet for the first time today to elect the Ceann Comhairle, with many new faces elected to experience the Dáil for the first time.What is that first experience of Dáil Éireann like, and what is the first day actually like?Joining Kieran to discuss is Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Noel Rock former Fine Gael TD.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for killing a Russian General in Moscow, after an explosive device attached to a scooter was detonated.Are we seeing the playing field in the Ukraine War change, and what could the war look like in the future?Bill Browder, Financier and Commentator joins Kieran to discuss.

This week, Presenter Mairead Ronan joins Kieran Cuddihy to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite book: I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron.Honourable Mention: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, by Haemin Sunim.Right now: The Racket, by Conor Niland.

The father of Enoch Burke, Sean Burke, has been given a two month jail sentence for assaulting a female Garda in 2023.Stephanie Rohan, Newstalk Reporter, joins Kieran with all the details…

It's time for a Christmas Kidstalk! The kids from South City Community National School, Dublin, talk to Henry McKean about Christmas…

As the 34th Dáil begins tomorrow, one of the first things the new Dáil will do is vote on the next Ceann Comhairle. However, Fianna Fáil have confirmed their support for Independent TD, Verona Murphy in tomorrow’s secret ballot...Joining Kieran to discuss is Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail.

As Christmas nears, a lot of us are starting to get worried about the prospect of cooking for the family. But, it can be easier for some than others – including Kieran’s guest.Mark Moriarty: Chef, TV Show Host, and Author joins to discuss all things Christmas food.

Ireland's first medically-supervised injection centre in Merchants Quay is set to open over the Christmas period, nine years after it was approved by a Fine Gael-Labour  government.It will operate for 56hs a week, 7 days a week. It will be open for 18 months during its pilot period, but concerns still remain over the facility…Kieran is joined by Eddie Mullins, Merchants Quay CEO and Cieran Perry,  Independent Dublin City Councillor.

The operator of Holyhead Port, Stena Line, has confirmed that ferry terminals will remain closed until the 15th of January.With no return of services before Christmas, disruption to travellers and to freight shipments will be substantial...Joining Kieran to discuss is Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist and Gary Pritchard, Plaid Cymru Cllr. and Leader of Isle of Anglesey Council.

Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig recently launched SkillStack, a new video streaming learning platform which he describes as “Netflix meets TED”. He tells Kieran why he started the business, the calibre of people he got involved with and how NASA gave the whole thing a ringing endorsement…